Interval Presents, the podcast network launched in the spring by Warner Music Group, has struck a multiyear alliance with iHeartMedia. The two companies will co-produce a slate of shows that range from ongoing weekly podcasts to limited-run series, beginning this fall. As part of the collaboration, Interval Presents will also distribute its podcasts through the iHeartPodcast Network.
“Joining forces with an iconic music company like Warner Music Group, known for their dedication to advancing the voices and careers of artists, is a seamless fit for iHeartMedia,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. “Our team is thrilled to be co-producing a slate of shows to elevate inspiring, diverse voices and important conversations in this vein – and can’t wait to get started.”
Spearheaded by Allan Coye, WMG’s Senior VP of Digital Strategy & Business Development, Warner Music Group launched Interval Presents in April to create a network of podcasts across a variety of formats at the intersection of music, pop culture, and social impact.
The first set of shows coming from Interval Presents includes Rap Radar and Holding Court with Eboni K. Williams, both of which launched last month. Other podcasts in the works are hosted by Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o, who will host a Snap Judgement-produced show centered on non-fiction cultural storytelling that explores the African diaspora, and Grammy-nominated R&B and rap singer/songwriter Jason Derulo, who will headline a podcast series that uses vocal performances to tell a fictional, noir-inflected romance story. Grammy-nominated songwriter and entrepreneur Billy Mann will also host a show featuring some of the world’s biggest stars and their stories about confronting adversity.
“Interval Presents provides listeners with fresh, culture-forward content that resonates with communities everywhere,” said Coye in the joint announcement. “This collaboration allows us to expand the reach of our existing shows and accelerate our ability to launch new podcasts that feature stories and individuals that need amplification,” he said.
As part of the deal, Interval Presents will use iHeartMedia’s Omny/Triton platform for hosting, distribution, programmatic ad sales, as well as audience and data insights for the Interval Presents Podcast Network.
Warner Music Group’s launch of Interval Presents comes as part of a bigger podcasting effort that has the company working with a variety of other producers and distributors. WMG last year announced a production deal with Spotify and the two companies are developing a series of original podcasts built around the label’s artist and songwriter catalogs. No shows have been released yet, however.
WMG reps have said each of its record labels and digital editorial brands will retain autonomy and continue to produce podcast content under their own banners. But they will also explore potential opportunities to work alongside Interval Presents on new projects and initiatives.
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